Writer's workshop is structured the same way as reader's workshop and consists of three parts: focus lesson, independent practice/writing and share. Students use their writer's notebook to write every day along with completing graphic organizers to help organize their writing. Below you will find information about the writing process and the three main units we learn throughout the year.
Writing Process
Persuasive Writing
W.5.1. Write opinion pieces on topics or texts supporting a point of view with reasons and information.
During this unit, students write about an aspect of school that they would like to improve. In this unit, students learn how to form an opinion and support their opinion with reasons and evidence.
Narrative Writing
W.5.3. Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.
Students in fifth grade write personal narratives, or true stories that they want to tell. Students learn the difference between seed stories and watermelon topics, how to add dialogue, sensory details, figurative language, show, don't tell, writing a strong lead and ending and so much more!
Informational Writing
W.5.2. Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
During this unit, students will be writing about a topic related to either science or social studies. This unit really emphasizes the researching aspect of writing. Writer's learn to find reliable sources, take notes and paraphrase the notes into their own words. Students also learn how to incorporate various nonfiction text features to help organize their writing.